• Preventing or lessening the risk of Postpartum depression or "Baby Blues."
• Replenishing your iron from blood loss during birth and to help prevent postpartum anemia. 
• Gives you a consistent flow of oxytocin.
• Providing the HPL hormone, helping to establish early and healthy milk production.
• Helps to stabilize your ever-changing hormones post-birth.
• Helps replenish your B vitamins and energy that was used during labor and the birth process.
• Offers natural pain relief from your labor and childbirth.
• Supports the overall healing process

• Oxytocin - (the love hormone) assists in bonding, and healthy lactation, reduces anxiety, and reduces third-stage hemorrhage.

• Prostaglandin - Promotes cell regeneration and growth. Assist in healing placenta attachment sites, repair vaginal/ rectal tearing, minimize nipple soreness, and helps promote contractions to help the uterus return to a pre-pregnancy state.

• Estrogen - (the primary female sex hormone) the dramatic drop in Estrogen after birth can contribute to ppd. 10-25% of women experience major depression in the first 6 months of birth. While the effects of Estrogen are not completely understood. Research has linked Estrogen to mental clarity and emotional balance, Estrogen Anti-inflammatory properties also assist in healing. 

• Corticotropin Releasing hormone (CHR) - The placenta releases up to 3 times the normal level of CHR in the last trimester of pregnancy.  Postpartum CHR Depletion - With the delivery of the placenta, the CHR hormone production system is interrupted. The mother then left with a large decline in the CHR hormone in her body which can lead to an inability to deal with stress well, the feeling of being overwhelmed, and ppd. 1a

• Progesterone - (pregnancy hormone) assists in mental clarity, and cognitive function, reduce anxiety, boost energy, and regulates immune system function. 

• Prolactin (PRL referred to as the “milk hormone”) or Luteotropic hormone (LTH), functions to promote milk production. Prolactin is shown to support the reproductive, metabolic, regulation of the immune system, and behavioral functions.

• Human Placental Lactogen (HPL) -  the hormone made by the placenta similar to the human growth hormone. HPL breaks down fat from the mother to provide fuel to the baby. Mothers with high HPL levels can lead to insulin resistance in the mother (Gestational Diabetes)

•  Endorphins and Opioids - The main endorphins in the placenta are called Placental Opioid Enhancing Factor (POEF) it is found in the placenta and amniotic fluid.  It provides natural pain relief; consuming the placenta will help prescription pain relievers work better because of the POEF it contains. Leading to needing less the prescription pain relief

• Serotonin and Vitamin B6 - Serotonin ( dependent on Vitamin B6)  helps to support regulated sleep patterns, balance weight, Improve mood, improve cognitive function, and aid in blood clotting. Vitamin B6 - prevents depression, improves mental clarity, supports the immune system, and supports wound healing postpartum.

• Copper - helps the body absorb Iron, increases white blood cells, and anti-inflammatory, thyroid support.

• Iron - Restores hemoglobin blood levels. A full placenta at term has the Iron equivalent of nearly two blood transfusions. Low Iron levels result in low hormone levels, fatigue, inability to concentrate, and symptoms of depression. 

• Selenium - Aids the thyroid in hormone production, aids in uterine recovery and decreases the risk of postpartum depression. 

• Zinc - Located in every tissue of the body. Zinc aids in hormone balance is an anti-inflammatory agent, and immune system support, increased energy, and assists in wound healing, and muscle growth and repair.

1a -Endocrinologist George Chrousos who led the NIH study concluded that since the placenta contains a large amount of oral active CHR, ingesting the placenta will stabilize CHR levels resulting in a more emotionally stable mother. Studies from the National Institute of Health have found that consuming the placenta stimulates and stabilizes CRH levels.

Risk Assessment Factor

1. It's hard for me to ask for help.
2. I've had trouble with my hormones and mood, especially before my period.
3. I've depressed or anxious in my past.
4. Sometimes it is hard to slow down: I don't need to sleep, have lots of new ideas, and fell very restless.
5. My family is far away and I don't have many friends nearby.
6. My Mother, Sister, or Aunt suffered from depression after the birth of their baby.

Postpartum Support International 
Risk Assessment.

If you answer "Yes" to 3 or more

of these statements, you are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety during your postpartum.